However, the Belgian international remains determined that he can still force his way back into first-team fold at Old Trafford, while asserting that he respects his manager’s decision to send him out on loan.

Speaking to Belgian newspaper HLN Sport, he said: ‘I understand that I was no priority for Mourinho.

‘I don’t have to talk, I have to perform.’

Januzaj scored twice on his first Manchester United start in 2013 (Picture: Getty Images)

Januzaj’s loan to Sunderland has seen him reunite with manager David Moyes, the man who gave him his Manchester United debut during the 2013/14 season.

The Belgian’s impact was instant as he scored twice on his first start for United – against Sunderland – in October 2013, and his form saw him named in Belgium’s World Cup squad the following summer.

Adnan Januzaj stats: 2016/17

Games: 7

Goals: 0

Assists: 0

However, injuries and a loss of form saw Januzaj fall down the pecking order at Old Trafford upon the arrival of Louis Van Gaal the following season.

His subsequent loan spell at Borussia Dortmund in 2015 was supposed to reinvigorate his career, but instead, his performances and application levels came into question, with many wondering if he was mentally capable of playing at the highest level.